29 June 2000

POST OFFICE PLANS A BOOST FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, MLA, today welcomed Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers' plans to modernise the Post Office Network: "This is very good news for Northern Ireland and, in particular, for the network of post offices which are a vital lifeline for many local communities. There was widespread concern that benefits and pensions would no longer be available from local post offices. This will not be the case. Anyone who wishes to receive their benefit or pension in cash, can still access their money in full at their local post office. This is welcome news, especially for people living in rural areas who are dependent on their local post office."

Highlighting the central role that local post offices have, Mr Dodds continued: "In Northern Ireland the post office network is and must remain an essential part of our local community. Post offices must be seen as more than a point for benefit payments. With developments in new technology they now have the opportunity to become 'one stop shops' for the provision of government information. The Social Security Agency will now work with their colleagues in the Post Office, to explore opportunities for local post offices to play a wider role in the provision of information and payment of benefits to communities and people in greatest need."